1. Almajiri Children Grow Old, Too. But What Happens When They Do? 

“This story by Kunle Adebajo is my absolute favourite because it tackles a crucial aspect often overlooked: what happens to Almajiri children after they complete their education? Kunle skillfully captures their struggles – lacking the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in the modern world – a harsh reality that follows them long after their journey as Almajirai has ended.” – Isah Ismaila, Reporter.

2. The Facebook Network Using Prophecies And Disinformation To Swindle Nigerians

“This read like a movie. I could visualise it while I read it: Anonymous in a Guy Fawkes mask. I could picture every word played out with sound effects and a score. It was intricately complex yet subtly put in a way I could understand, like unravelling a piece of a  Christmas gift and being satisfied when you finally have the actual gift in your palm. Kunle did an excellent job taking me on this journey, complete with pictures, screenshots, and even a video in the report. The way the story ends? Please read it to find out.” – Anthony Asemota, Multimedia Editor.

3. The Dangerous Antics Of Impostors Promoting Nigerian Terrorist On Social Media

“What I like about this story is what led to it. It’s a good reminder of how the audience can sometimes challenge you to look in a different direction.  The story also required the reporter to put in a lot of work, and Ibrahim was committed to that. From the impact and attention it got, you can tell none of it was in vain.” – Shade Mary-Ann Olaoye, Audience Engagement Lead.

4. A Tragic Femicide Case in Northeastern Nigeria Smells Like Honour Killing

“My favourite story of the year is ‘A Tragic Femicide Case in NE Nigeria…’  It is not just that this story sheds light on one of the most common things plaguing women in many communities or that it exposes you to the sheer injustice in the country and how little women’s life matters. It is not just that it contextualises what honour killings can look like in Nigeria. I think something that haunted me the most about this story was the continuous retraumatising of the victim’s mother and the complete disregard for the gravity of what was done to that family- and the sheer audacity and the fragility of the male ego and all that gets destroyed because of it. Everybody loved Falmata, but no one would fight to get her justice.” – Hauwa Abubakar Saleh, Assistant Editor, Features desk.

5. The Young Nigerians Caught in the Gold Rush Financing Terrorism in the Sahel

“I have read a series of reports on illegal mining, but this one directly leads us to how the unlawful activities contribute to terrorism in Africa and the role played by children who are unconscious of their actions. This well-researched investigation provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities of migration, poverty, and the quest for a better life among young Nigerians unknowingly fueling terrorism.” – Adejumo Kabir, Editor, Southern Operations.

6. Faiths Under Fire: The Conspiracy Theorists Inflaming Religious War in Nigeria

“This story is a powerful exposé of how misinformation and manipulation fuel religious tensions in Nigeria. By dissecting the narratives spread by both local and international actors, it highlights the dangers of disinformation in exacerbating conflicts and undermining interfaith harmony. It is a timely piece that underscores the critical need for media literacy and responsible reporting in a polarised society.” – Ibrahim Adeyemi, Deputy Investigations Editor.

7. Terror From The Trolls (I): The Keyboard Warriors Fueling Plateau’s Ethno-Religious Crisis 

Illustration by Akila Jibrin/HumAngle.

“At a time when fake news has found a way to permeate our daily social interactions, with serious physical consequences, this story employs both open-source and human intelligence to explore how communities crumble because certain individuals choose to spread narratives that fan the embers of ethnic tensions that have defined the Jos crisis for years. Adeyemi’s work on the Christmas massacre is not only insightful and important, but also brave!” – Abiodun Jamiu, Investigative Reporter.

8. Maiduguri Floods: The unfortunate series of events that led to the breakdown of the Alau Dam

A local was deeply asleep amid devastating flooding sinking his home. Photo by Usman Abba Zanna/HumAngle.

“My favourite story of the year is the Maiduguri floods: The unfortunate series of events that led to the breakdown of the Alau Dam by Ibrahim Adeyemi and Co. The investigation showed that the devastating crisis would have been averted if certain parties had done their job. This further shows how important accountability is and the role of journalists in promoting accountability.” – Saduwo Banayawa, Editorial intern.

9. What Happens To The Abducted And Forgotten?

Photo: Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu/HumAngle.

“This report stands out because of its profound emotional resonance, narrative depth, and unforgettable opening scene — the haunting image of Na’empere at the stove encountering what seems to be an umbilical cord. The sensory immersion grips me emotionally and mentally, making it impossible to look away. Hauwa’s storytelling is always vivid, but this report exemplifies her mastery of centering a character’s lived experience. By focusing on Na’empere’s journey, she transforms the issue from abstract statistics into a deeply human story. Her pacing is masterful — moving from the chaotic school abduction to the grueling march through the rain and the nerve-wracking gunfire exchange — mirroring the disorienting rhythm of captivity while giving the weight of each moment room to settle. The seamless blend of personal narrative with broader societal issues adds layers of meaning. What moves me most, however, is how Hauwa exposes the silent burden of purity culture and the societal judgment survivors endure, exemplified through Na’empere’s father’s reaction. This blend of humanisation, tension, and social commentary elevates the report from mere storytelling to essential, empathetic journalism that refuses to let the forgotten remain unseen. This report didn’t just inform me — it stayed with me — and to me, that is the mark of exceptional storytelling.” – Al’amin Umar, Reporter.

10. Faiths under fire: the conspiracy theorists inflaming religious war in Nigeria

“This story is a powerful exposé of how misinformation and manipulation fuel religious tensions in Nigeria. By dissecting the narratives spread by both local and international actors, it highlights the dangers of disinformation in exacerbating conflicts and undermining interfaith harmony. It is a timely piece that underscores the critical need for media literacy and responsible reporting in a polarized society.” – Usman Zanna, Multimedia Reporter.

11. When Witchcraft Accusations Are Loud Enough, People Get Burned To Death

‘I especially enjoyed reading this story because it gave me insight into a topic I knew so little about, especially the barbaric means people will take to dealing with these ‘witches’” – Amratullah Kazir, Editorial Intern.

12. Before IPOB, There Was MASSOB: Nigeria’s Long History Of Biafran Nationalism

“This is my favourite story because it felt like a history lesson, and I love to learn about history. More importantly, it shows how we got here and provides context to what we now know as IPOB. And context is crucial. It does what mere information often cannot; it helps us understand more fully and robustly.” – Sabiqah Bello, Multimedia Reporter.

13. A Tragic Femicide Case in Northeastern Nigeria Smells Like Honour Killing

“Oftentimes, I find myself going back to read this story over and over again. It left me with so much fear and anger that I still can’t let go off.” – Oluwaseun Adebowale, Multimedia Assitant.

14. A Tragic Femicide Case in Northeastern Nigeria Smells Like Honour Killing

“Drawn to this story because of its powerful combination of investigative depth and compelling narrative. The investigation shed light on a hidden issue that few people were aware of. The story flowed seamlessly, keeping me engaged from start to finish.” — Aliyu Dahiru, Assistant Editor, Extremism and radicalism desk.